Getting handed the wrong coffee order sparked a mini crisis in my head

The barista gave me a latte instead of my black coffee this morning. Part of me wanted to correct her right then to get what I like. But another part thought, maybe trying something new isn't so bad and it saves her the hassle. That split-second choice made me realize we often pick between sticking to our plan or going with the flow. I ended up drinking the latte and it was fine, but now I'm curious. Do you guys always fix mistakes on the spot, or do you sometimes roll with it? Where's your line?

3 comments

3 Comments

jennifer_jenkins2mo ago

Actually read a psychology article once that called this "decision fatigue savings". It said letting tiny things slide, like a wrong drink order, preserves mental energy for bigger choices later. Makes sense because correcting people takes emotional effort even when you're right. My line is usually whether it affects my health or costs a lot of money. A surprise latte is neither, so why not try it.

phoenixb342mo ago

See, @jennifer_jenkins, I get the logic but I see it the other way. Letting the small stuff slide all the time trains people to ignore your preferences. If my regular coffee shop always makes my drink wrong and I say nothing, they'll just keep doing it. That chips away at feeling heard. For me, a quick "actually, I ordered the cold brew" is less about the drink and more about practicing small acts of self-advocacy so the big stuff feels easier.

jason4802mo ago

Ever notice how this shows up with friends always being late? @jennifer_jenkins is right about saving mental energy, but then you get the friend who assumes you're cool with it every time.